Michelle M. Lauer

Michelle M. Lauer

"Becoming an attorney provided me with an effective tool set to help people, especially those who cannot or do not have the means to advocate for themselves. This is my passion and doing so brings me joy. The social aspect is the best part of my job, working and connecting with people. I firmly believe, whether personal or professional, the better my relationship is with an individual the better the interaction, understanding, and ability to serve their needs."

 

Awards and Recognition

  • Recipient of the 2023 Adult Guardianship Attorney of the Year award from the Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Recipient of the 2022 Adult Guardianship Attorney of the Year award from the Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Recipient of the 2018 Probate Lawyers Assistance Project Attorney of the Year from the Volunteer Lawyers Program.
  • Selected by Phoenix Magazine as one of the 2017 “Top Attorneys In Arizona Rising Stars”
  • Recipient of the 2014 “For Love of Justice” Pro Bono Award from the Volunteer Lawyers Program
  • Recipient of the 2013 “Top 50 Pro Bono Attorney” by Community Legal Services
  • Selected as a Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018

Education

  • J.D., California Western School of Law
  • B.A., Arizona State University

Bar Admissions

  • Arizona, 2008
  • U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 2009

Relationships are based on four principles: respect, understanding, acceptance and appreciation.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

Case Highlights

In an administrative appeal, Michelle prevented an innocent former spouse from being saddled with a $1.4 million judgment resulting from securities fraud committed solely by the other spouse.

Personal

Michelle came to the Valley of the Sun from California in 1995 for the warmer climate, and to attend ASU. She is an avid ballroom dancer of salsa, cha cha, bachata, and merengue and, in her spare time, enjoys biking and walking with Lulu.

 

Professional and Civic Service

  • Volunteer Committee Member, Joint Effort with Arizona Supreme Court Re: Cognitive Impairment & Dementia, 2016 to 2018.
  • Provides pro bono services through the Volunteer Lawyers Program/Community Legal Services in the Guardianship Clinic, 2008-present.
  • Volunteer at the Probate Lawyers Assistance Project (PLAP) of the Maricopa County Bar Association since 2013.
  • Arizona State Bar Association: Executive Council, Elder Law, Mental Health & Special Needs Planning Section, 2014 to 2018.
  • Maricopa County Bar Association: Board of Directors, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section, 2014 to 2022.
  • Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arizona, December 1998-July 2005.
  • We’re Moving Forward, traumatic brain injury survivors charitable foundation, Board Member, 2018 to 2021.